Pakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves reach $26.863 billion as the rupee strengthens slightly and international gold prices rebound.
KARACHI: Pakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves rose to $26.863 billion in the week ended Oct. 9, 2026, while the Pakistani rupee posted a marginal gain against the US dollar and domestic gold prices remained unchanged despite a recovery in international markets.
According to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan on Thursday, the central bank’s foreign exchange reserves increased by approximately $16 million to $21.469 billion from $21.454 billion a week earlier.
Commercial banks held net foreign exchange reserves of $5.394 billion as of Oct. 9, bringing the country’s total liquid reserves, including commercial bank holdings, to $26.863 billion.
The increase marked a modest improvement in the country’s reserve position. Foreign exchange reserves are closely monitored because they help Pakistan meet external payment obligations, finance imports and support confidence in the economy.
Rupee edges higher against US dollar
The Pakistani rupee continued to strengthen slightly in the interbank market on Thursday, appreciating by 0.01% against the US dollar.
The local currency closed at Rs276.92 per dollar, compared with Wednesday’s closing rate of Rs276.95, gaining three paisas during the session.
Movements in the exchange rate remain important for businesses and investors because they can affect import costs, external debt servicing and broader market sentiment. The rupee’s latest gain was modest, while the impact of sustained currency movements will depend on broader economic conditions.
Domestic gold prices remain unchanged
In the domestic bullion market, gold prices remained stable despite a significant recovery in international rates.
According to the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA), gold traded at Rs437,836 per tola, while the price of 10 grams remained unchanged at Rs375,373.
The local market maintained Wednesday’s closing levels after gold prices had declined by Rs3,000 during intraday trading. The latest stability suggested that domestic prices had yet to reflect the full impact of the recovery in international markets.
International gold prices rebound
International gold prices recovered as a weaker US dollar and declining US Treasury yields supported demand for the precious metal.
According to Reuters, spot gold rose 1.1% to $4,149 per ounce by 12:36 a.m. EDT (1636 GMT), recovering after falling to a one-week low during the previous session.
US gold futures for December delivery also advanced by 1.5% to $4,170.10 per ounce.
Gold generally benefits from a weaker US dollar because it becomes less expensive for buyers using other currencies. Lower Treasury yields can also increase the appeal of gold, which does not pay interest.
Investors and businesses will continue to monitor Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves, movements in the rupee-dollar exchange rate and international bullion prices for signals about economic conditions and investment trends.
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